Ji Tian’s gaze swept indifferently over the two captives. “True geniuses, as expected.”
Facing this black-haired elder whose aura resembled that of a middle-aged man, both Zi Ling and Ling Hu felt a chill in their hearts.
The elder’s presence was overwhelming. He stood there emitting no aura, no pressure, yet it felt impossible to breathe freely.
Worthy of being the Ji family patriarch, the leader of a hegemonic power. Truly extraordinary.
“You are the Ji family patriarch?”
Zi Ling asked calmly.
Just moments ago, she had nearly chosen to end her own life. Her words had not been mere bluff against Ji Wei. She had been gambling, betting that the Ji family would not let her die.
Fortunately, the Ji family had intervened.
“Indeed.”
Ji Tian nodded and sighed. “If not for the prior enmity with Lin Xiao, you might have befriended our Ji family. With our nurturing, you could have become great assets to us. Regrettably, the grudge is now irreparable. We can only uproot the threat completely.”
“So you plan to kill us?”
Ling Hu spoke up.
Ji Tian nodded. “Once Lin Xiao is dead and your other friends are captured, you will be executed.”
“You are so certain you can kill Lin Xiao?”
Zi Ling countered calmly.
Ji Tian nodded again. “For the Ji family to become one of the Sacred Continent’s hegemonic powers, we naturally have sufficient confidence.”
“Lin Xiao is impressive, but he values loyalty, and so do you. If I am not mistaken, he is already on his way and will arrive at the Ji family soon.”
“I do not believe you can kill him.”
Zi Ling refuted.
“You are confident too. Yet facts will prove otherwise.”
Ji Tian gave a faint sigh. “I have no other business. I merely came to see geniuses from another land. Take care, both of you.”
With that, he waved a hand. The ninth-layer Martial Emperor from before hurried in and bowed. “Patriarch.”
“Guard them well.”
Ji Tian said indifferently, then turned and strode out.
“Yes.”
The elder nodded quickly.
In the blink of an eye, Ji Tian vanished from Zi Ling and the others’ sight.
“This Ji family patriarch is terrifying.”
Zi Ling transmitted to Ling Hu via divine sense.
“Just a Martial Saint. What is there to fear?
Give us a few years, and we could beat him all the same.”
Ling Hu dismissed it.
Zi Ling shook her head. “His terror lies not only in strength, but in his mind. His visit was to probe us. That Ji Wei was likely sent by him. He instantly grasped the key: Lin Xiao values loyalty, we value loyalty. Lin Xiao will surely come. After one glance at us, his confidence grew.”
“And he saw our talent and potential. He will not only eliminate us, but everyone who came with us.”
Worry appeared on Zi Ling’s face. “This man is dangerous. I wonder if Lin Xiao can outmatch him.”
“So impressive?
But Lin Xiao is no pushover. He will not fall so easily.”
Ling Hu said with certainty. From all they had experienced, his faith in Lin Xiao was almost mystical.
“Let us hope so.”
Zi Ling nodded.
…
After more than ten days, Lin Xiao, Long Tutian, and the other two finally emerged from the void tunnel. They appeared in the rear mountain of Canglong Gate. People were already waiting nearby.
A Martial Saint elder had concealed all fluctuations from the tunnel exit and the array altar.
“Elder Lu Hou.”
Long Tutian greeted the elder.
“The Ji family has spies in Canglong Gate. Follow me.”
The Martial Saint elder named Lu Hou said at once.
This was Lin Xiao’s first time meeting the elder. He must be one of Canglong Gate’s hidden experts, his status surpassing even the various peak masters.
Long Tutian nodded and led the group after Lu Hou, proceeding discreetly.
Soon they reached a hidden cave abode in the rear mountain.
“Elder Lu Hou, has the gate master emerged from seclusion?”
Inside the cave, Long Tutian asked.
Lu Hou glanced at the group. “He has, but it is inconvenient for him to appear. Elder Long, go alone. The gate master has already made plans.”
“Good.”
Long Tutian nodded and said to Lin Xiao and the others, “Wait here. I will return shortly.”
The three nodded.
The Canglong Gate master’s reluctance to meet them made sense.
After all, this was Lin Xiao’s affair. If Canglong Gate intervened openly, the entire gate would be dragged in.
War with the Ji family would bring heavy losses. They could flee, but Canglong Gate’s members could not.
Full-scale war would cost too much.
Canglong Gate offering other aid and allowing Long Tutian to act was already generous.
Everyone knew Long Tutian was his senior brother, proud and aloof, even clashing with gate internals. His actions did not represent the gate, which was acceptable.
He trusted Long Tutian would help anyway.
“Lin Xiao?”
After Long Tutian left, Lu Hou addressed Lin Xiao.
He too was meeting Lin Xiao for the first time. Among the three, two men and one woman, Qing Yan’s appearance was distinctive and easily guessed.
“Yes. Greetings, Elder Lu Hou.”
Lin Xiao bowed.
“No need for formalities. Elder Long spoke to the gate master about your situation long ago. Upon learning you reached reverse-saint level and the Ji family issued a bounty, the gate master emerged personally and made arrangements for you.”
Lu Hou then looked at Huo Ruyan and Qing Yan. “These two are?”
“My friends. First-layer Martial Saint with Blood Demon Physique, Huo Ruyan. Demon Saint Demon Frog, Qing Yan.”
Lin Xiao indicated each.
“Martial Saint realm Demon Frog and Blood Demon Physique?”
Surprise filled Lu Hou’s aged face. He sighed. “It seems the gate master will adjust the plans.”
“Elder Lu Hou, what is the current situation with the Ji family?
What arrangements has the gate master made?”
Lin Xiao asked quickly.
“The Ji family has imprisoned your two friends in a dungeon near headquarters. No Martial Saint guards inside, but…” Elder Lu Hou explained the Ji family’s circumstances, the gate master’s plans, and the possible forces from the Ji family and Sacred Heaven Gate in detail.
Lin Xiao was both surprised and more confident.
Canglong Gate had thoroughly scouted the Ji family.
Most importantly, they had a mole inside, allowing direct access to Ling Hu and Zi Ling.
Of course, there was still danger.
They needed to wait for Long Tutian’s return to discuss.
Lin Xiao could not fully trust Lu Hou’s words alone, as this was their first meeting.
About half an hour later, Long Tutian returned to the cave abode. He relayed the gate master’s arrangements. After discussion with Lin Xiao and the others, they finalised the rescue plan.
The plan could be executed at any time.
More precisely, the sooner the better.
The earlier the rescue, the less chance of complications.
Lin Xiao felt the urge to act immediately, but he restrained himself. “Senior Brother, could we delay one month?”
“The Ji family gave three months. Travelling from Spirit Pool Island took about one month. We should have one or two months left. Why delay another month?”
Long Tutian was puzzled.
